Motorsport Pressure Sensors Guide

Pressure sensors are a critical component of motorsport telemetry, providing accurate data to enhance performance, safety and vehicle control. Whether you want to optimise driving performance or maintain the vehicle’s engine, pressure sensors play a vital role in various motorsport applications.

As part of our motorsport sensors series, we will explore how pressure sensors work, their benefits for motorsport applications, a guide for the different types available and maintenance tips to enhance your setup.

What Is A Pressure Sensor?

A pressure sensor is an electronic device that detects, measures and converts pressure into an electrical signal. In motorsport applications, pressure sensors help drivers and teams to monitor things like oil, fuel, brake or boost pressure to fine-tune their setup and optimise performance.

Improve Your Motorsport Setup With Super B Batteries

Super B specialises in manufacturing high-performance, safe and reliable lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries for various applications like motorsports, industrial machinery and energy storage. In this article, we’ll discuss how Super B batteries can improve your motorsport setup, our recommended models based on certain use cases and maintenance tips to get the most out of your starter motorsport battery.

Benefits Of Super B Batteries For Motorsport Vehicles

Motorsport Speed Sensors Guide

Speed sensors are a critical component of motorsport telemetry, providing accurate data to enhance performance, safety and vehicle control. Whether you’re monitoring wheel speed, measuring gearbox output, or integrating with an advanced ABS system, speed sensors play a vital role in a race car’s dynamics.

As part of our motorsport sensors series, we will explore how speed sensors work, their benefits for motorsport applications and a guide for the different types available to enhance your setup.

What Is A Speed Sensor?

A speed sensor is an electronic device that detects and measures the rotational speed of a component within a vehicle, typically a wheel, driveshaft or gearbox. In motorsport applications, accurate speed readings help drivers and teams fine-tune setups and optimise performance.

What’s New With The MyChron 6 Lap Timer?

For years, the MyChron series has been the go-to data logger for karting enthusiasts and professional racers alike. With the arrival of the MyChron 6, Aim are taking kart telemetry to the next level, delivering improved performance with a sleek interface.

But what’s new with the MyChron 6 lap timer that makes it stand out from its predecessors? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of this advanced data logger and it’s key features that make this model a must-have for any serious kart racer.

What Are The Benefits Of The MyChron 6 For Karters?

If you’re considering upgrading from the MyChron 5S, but you’re worried that you’ll lose out on the MyChron’s advanced features, rest assured. The MyChron 6 lap timer not only retains the core strengths of its predecessor, but also enhances kart data logging and telemetry with new and improved capabilities. Here are some of the essential features of the MyChron 6 range:

• Reliable engine monitoring: Keep track of RPM, temperature and lap times in real time.
• Built-in GPS technology: The integrated 25Hz GPS ensures accurate lap timing with high-precision GPS-based data acquisition.
• Various inputs available: Available with one or two temperature inputs for comprehensive monitoring of engine parameters to prevent overheating and to ensure peak performance.
• Configurable LED alerts: Customise shift lights and warning indicators to match your driving style.
• Extensive memory capacity: 4GB memory accommodates over 3,000 hours of data.
• Data export & analysis: Sync your data seamlessly with the Race Studio software for in-depth performance evaluation.
• Durable, weatherproof design: IP67 rated to withstand harsh kart racing conditions.
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth connectivity: Allows seamless connection to heart rate monitors and other compatible devices.
• Versatile compatibility: MyChron 6 Series is compatible with a range of external modules to expand data acquisition, including ACC3, IR Temperature Controller, SmartyCam 3 Series and Lambda (LCU-One and LCU-One S).

How To Choose A Kart Steering Wheel

Choosing the right steering wheel for your kart racing setup is essential when it comes to achieving maximum control, comfort and overall performance on the track.

But with so many options out there, it can be really difficult to know which option is right for your karting needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors that you should consider when choosing a kart steering wheel, along with Aim’s recommended kart steering wheel.

Diameter

Kart steering wheels come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 300 mm to 360 mm to suit your kart’s chassis and personal preferences.

Smaller wheels (300 mm to 330 mm) are preferred for tight, technical tracks where quick and precise steering inputs are needed. Larger wheels (330 mm to 360 mm) are typically the best option for wider, faster tracks as they provide better leverage and lighter steering effort, reducing strain on the driver’s arms and minimising fatigue during long races.

Save A Second Off Your Lap Time With A Brake Pressure Sensor

Understanding braking and braking technique is one of the most important aspects of racing. In this article, we will explain how using a brake pressure sensor can help you optimise your braking, refine your driving and ultimately shave time off each lap.

While we cannot guarantee how much time you will save per lap, we can promise that by understanding how to use a brake sensor within your data, most people will save a second off their lap times for under £200.

If you’re Lando or Max and you’re reading this, it might be more like a few tenths; but I imagine you know this already!

The Importance Of Braking In Racing

Braking is one of the most important aspects of driving a race car because it directly impacts both lap times and overall control of the
vehicle. Here’s why braking holds such significance in racing:

1. Corner Entry and Exit Speed: Braking determines how quickly you can slow the car down before entering a corner, which directly affects your cornering speed and exit. The faster you can break, the later you can break, which allows you to carry more speed into the corner. This leads to a higher average speed over the entire lap. Poor braking or not braking efficiently can cost you valuable time at every turn.
2. Maximising Deceleration without Losing Control: Braking forces are responsible for reducing the car’s speed, but they also shift weight from the rear to the front of the car. Proper brake modulation ensures you decelerate as much as possible without overwhelming the tyres or losing grip. If you brake too hard or abruptly, you risk locking up the wheels or losing control, which can make you slower or even lead to a crash. Efficient braking allows for maximum deceleration while maintaining control of the car.
3. Braking Zone Optimisation: The key to fast lap times is understanding how to utilise the braking zone effectively. The longer you can brake at peak efficiency (without sliding or losing grip), the more time you’ll save. The ability to brake later in a corner while maintaining control is a huge advantage. In competitive racing, marginal improvements in braking efficiency can translate into several tenths or even seconds per lap, which can make the difference between winning and losing.
4. Weight Transfer and Car Balance: As you brake, the car’s weight shifts forward, which can affect how the car behaves in a corner. If you’re braking too aggressively or unevenly, it can cause instability, such as understeering (when the front tyres lose grip) or oversteering (when the rear tyres lose grip). Good braking allows you to manage the car’s balance, ensuring that the car remains predictable and stable through corners. This means better grip and more precise control when transitioning from braking to accelerating.
5. Tyre Management: Braking is one of the primary factors that affects tyre wear during a race. Consistent braking helps distribute wear more evenly across the tyres, while poor braking habits can cause excessive heat buildup and uneven tyre wear. This can lead to reduced grip, faster tyre degradation, and a decrease in overall performance. By braking correctly and efficiently, you help preserve tyre life, maintaining grip longer into the race.
6. Accelerating Early out of Corners: The faster you brake, the earlier you can release the brakes and start accelerating out of the corner. This not only helps with corner exit speed but also contributes to a better drive down the straights. Good braking allows you to reduce lap times not only by cutting through corners faster but also by allowing you to open the throttle sooner.
7. Risk of Overshooting Corners: Braking well is key to avoiding overshooting corners (also known as “outbraking”). If you fail to brake hard enough, you’ll enter the corner too fast and run wide, costing you time and potentially positions in a race. Overbraking, on the other hand, leads to loss of control, either through locked-up wheels or a missed apex. Finding the perfect balance in braking gives you the ability to make precise corner entries and exits.
8. Confidence and Focus: Knowing you can rely on your braking skills gives you confidence to push harder and take risks in races. Consistent and efficient braking lets you focus on the rest of the track, like throttle application and steering, without worrying about losing control or missing braking points. This mental confidence is crucial in keeping your focus high throughout the entire race.

Braking is the key to controlling speed and optimising cornering. The later you can brake without losing control, and the smoother and more consistent you can be in your braking technique, the faster you will be. It’s all about maximising the available grip and managing weight transfer to keep the car stable and ready to accelerate out of corners. Because of these factors, braking is often considered as crucial as acceleration in achieving fast lap times.

How To Choose The Best Kart Display

When it comes to setting up or upgrading your kart setup, one of the most impactful changes you can make is enhancing the dashboard display. A quality display can enhance functionality, lap times and the overall driving experience by delivering crucial performance data and metrics in real time.

But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we will guide you through how to choose the best kart display, along with Aim’s recommended kart display. 

Consider Your Specific Needs

When it comes to selecting the best kart display, understanding your specific needs is critical. Not all kart display loggers are created equal and choosing the wrong one could lead to an underwhelming experience or even technical issues. To help you make an informed decision, we have broken down the key factors you should consider.

What Do You Want To Achieve? 

Begin by defining your goals. Are you looking for a basic display logger to monitor lap times or do you need an advanced display that provides real time data tracking like speed, RPM and tyre temperature?

For example, if you’re a recreational kart driver, a simple dash display might be enough. However, competitive racers might need a setup that clearly displays performance data mid-race to ensure that they’re reaching their maximum potential. Choosing the wrong type of display could leave you either overwhelmed by unnecessary features or underprepared for race day. 

Determine The Size & Resolution Required

Screen size and resolution are other important elements to consider when choosing a display for your kart setup. A screen that’s too small can make it difficult to read important performance data at a glance, while a large high-resolution screen display can provide clarity, but might feel too bulky.

Consider a display that is the ideal size to show important data to you and is compatible with your setup. Remember: Not all displays are built the same size. Opt for a display that can easily mount to your karts steering wheel, without being too big or getting in the way.

Display Quality & Longevity 

Investing in a durable, high-quality kart display ensures long-term value. Look for displays from a reliable manufacturer who is well-known for their durability against exposure to dust and rain, long-term quality for value for money and reliability for your peace of mind. Note: While their higher upfront costs may seem steep, reliable manufacturers can often save you money in the long run by avoiding frequent repairs or replacements.

Researching Different Types Of Kart Displays 

The right kart display is about choosing the best device that can enhance your karting experience by providing valuable insights to improve performance. To make the best choice, it’s essential to understand the features available and how they align with your karting needs.

Kart Racing Display Features 

When researching which kart display might be best, we recommend that you consider the following essential features to enhance your karting experience:

1. GPS Tracking: Modern kart displays, such as the MyChron 6 series, often come with advanced GPS technology for precise tracking of lap times, position and even racing lines to help identify areas of improvement with pinpoint accuracy. Note: Standard GPS sampling rates are around 10 Hz, with higher Hz offering greater accuracy.
2. Lap Timing Functions: Regardless of your level of experience, knowing your lap time is always a useful feature in any kart display. Consider a display with basic lap timing capabilities, as well as displaying and logging data in real time to monitor and improve performance to stay competitive.
3. Real Time Data Tracking: Features like real time tracking of speed, RPM and engine temperature provide critical information to drivers during track sessions, helping them to identify potential performance issues before they escalate. Note: Some displays support expansions and sensors to enhance data collection.
4. Steering Wheel Mounting: Many kart displays are designed to securely mount directly onto your kart steering wheel, ensuring that valuable data is easily visible while minimising distractions.
5. Customisable Displays: Customisable layouts allow you to prioritise the most relevant metrics, offering quick access to critical data during sessions—particularly beneficial for competitive racers.
6. Battery Life: For long motorsport days, choose a display with at least 10 hours of battery life to avoid interruptions.
7. Durability & Weather Resistance: Opt for a display with proven durability and a weatherproof rating of IP67 or IP68 to ensure it withstands dust, rain and rigorous use. Note: IP ratings measure protection against dust and water. The first number 6 indicates that the device is 100% dust-proof, with the second number (7/8) indicating that it can be immersed in over 1 meter of water for a period of time.

What Are The Key Features Of Aim Kart Displays?

At Aim, we manufacture a range of data acquisition products for the motorsport industry. While all of our motorsport displays share core features like lap timing, real time data tracking and weather resistance, our newest MyChron 6 series comes with even more advanced features for karters:

• Delta Bar Animation: The larger display allows for more graphical lap timing features to be displayed. The Delta bar animation visually shows how your current lap time compares to your personal best, helping you instantly identify whether you’re improving or losing time on the track.
• Battery Life & Durability: Its improved battery life can last up to 20 hours of continuous operation. This, along with its robust, weather-resistant construction, ensures that these displays can withstand the rigours of kart racing while remaining reliable and consistent.
• GPS Tracking: Aim displays come with an advanced 25 Hz GPS module to provide precise lap and split timing, along with precise tracking of your position on the circuit within a few centimetres. In motorsport, this level of precision is essential when it comes to identifying the smallest differences in lap times and racing lines.
• Customisable Displays: Using Race Studio 3 software, you can customise the display to show the most important data for your specific needs, analyse performance data through detailed graphs and histograms and integrate video feeds for in-depth session analysis.
• Steering Wheel Mounting: MyChron 6 displays are designed to be mounted directly onto your kart steering wheel to ensure that valuable data is easily visible while minimising distractions.
• Expanded Data Logging: MyChron 6 displays are compatible with a variety of expansions and sensors, such as SmartyCam 3 series cameras, MyChron Expansion and Lambda (LCU-One and LCU-One S) to expand data collection.

Whether you prioritise battery life, lap timing features, GPS accuracy or display size, the right kart display logger can significantly enhance performance. Take the time to explore your options—choose a display that will maximise your performance and provide invaluable insights for every lap to give yourself the best possible racing experience.

Setting A Budget 

Now that you have a better understanding of the features of the ideal kart display for your needs, it’s important to set realistic budgets. Consider elements like potential additional costs (mounting kits, sensors etc) and how often you’ll use the display—if you don’t go karting often, a more affordable option with basic features might be preferable.

Be realistic with your budget though. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality kart display logger often provides better value over time. Durable displays, like the MyChron dash display offer robust construction, reliable performance and long battery life, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.

Seeking Expert Advice & Recommendations 

Word of mouth is invaluable when it comes to kart display loggers, particularly if you’ve never owned one before. Speaking with experts and getting involved with karting communities (whether it’s online through forums or at track events) can help you make an informed decision.

People with first-hand experience with a product are often happy to share their experiences and can offer practical advice on what works and what doesn’t. They can help you make a more informed decision, giving you that extra layer of confidence that a display that you’re interested in is right for your needs.

Why Choose An Aim Kart Display? 

Aim are industry leaders when it comes to providing the motorsport community with advanced data acquisition devices. As previously mentioned, we manufacture a variety of displays for various motorsport industries, providing drivers with features like GPS lap timing, real time data and simple integration with other Aim data collection products.

Choosing the best kart display can be challenging with so many options on the market. With our help, we will ensure you get the right kart display logger for your needs—backed by superior support and service every step of the way. Here are just some of the ways that we can support you:

• Detailed product documentation
• In-house technical specialist support
• In-depth setup and support FAQ’s
• Aim Academy training videos

By choosing Aim, you gain a trusted partner who is with you every step of the way, providing the tools, knowledge and support you need to succeed on the track. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced driver, we are here to ensure your kart display delivers the best possible performance and support, helping you stay ahead of the competition.

Lake Makes Big Step Into Ginetta Juniors With Elite Motorsport

Follow Revie on his journey with Elite Motorsport to keep up to date with upcoming events and championships.

Motorsport Data Logging System: Must-Have Expansions

When setting up or upgrading your motorsport data logging system, adding the right expansions can significantly enhance data acquisition and analysis capabilities. While lap timers and displays are the heart of any successful motorsport setup, expanding your system with specialised components can help fine-tune performance, improve diagnostics and optimise your race setup.

In this article, we have compiled a list of some of the must-have motorsport data logging expansions that we recommend. Whilst not all of these expansions will be necessary depending on what you want to achieve, we hope it gives you an idea about which Aim expansions you should consider.

8 Key Expansions To Consider

When it comes to choosing which expansions you might need to add to your motorsport system, it’s important to consider what your goals are in terms of what you want to get out of your data acquisition setup. Ask yourself questions like: Do I want to improve data collection capacity, monitor additional metrics with sensors and gauges or enhance the capabilities of my Aim display?

Once you have an idea about what you want to achieve, you will have a better understanding of which expansion will cater to your motorsport needs. Below, we have compiled 8 of our favourite data logging expansions to expand the range of data you can collect, helping you gain deeper insights into your vehicle’s performance.

1. Pressure Sensor

Pressure sensors are a key element when it comes to ensuring vehicle safety and performance. At Aim, we stock a variety of pressure sensors to cater to various vehicle functions:

• Oil/Fuel Pressure Sensor: This sensor precisely tracks oil and fuel pressure to ensure peak performance across a range of pressure options.
• Brake Pressure Sensor: This sensor ensures accurate monitoring of brake pressure to achieve precision in braking dynamics and safety on the track.
• Absolute Pressure Sensor: This sensor samples and records manifold air pressure (MAP), reading the pressure from -1 (depression) up to +4 absolute bars.

Overall, pressure sensors are a must-have addition to any motorsport setup. They can monitor critical vehicle metrics to ensure optimum performance, and they can even enhance vehicle safety by detecting issues such as leaks or other malfunctions before they become an issue.

2. Thermocouple Sensor

Thermocouple sensors measure critical metrics like engine, exhaust or cylinder head temperatures.

As the vehicle heats up during competitive motorsport environments, it’s important to ensure that no elements of the vehicle overheat. By using thermocouple sensors, drivers and teams can monitor these metrics to optimise engine performance and vehicle safety by detecting these potential issues before they become a problem.

3. Lambda Air/Fuel Ratio Controller

The LCU-One S Lambda Controller communicates with Aim devices via CAN, providing lambda value, air/fuel ratio, probe temperature and diagnostics parameters. Ultimately, the LCU-One is a critical expansion that accurately tunes the engine’s carburetion and monitoring of air-fuel ratios. It is particularly valuable for high-performance engines, where incorrect ratios can lead to loss of power.

4. CAN Keypad

CAN keypads can be a useful asset for motorsport drivers by allowing them to easily control and adjust vehicle systems, such as lights, pit speed limiters and windscreen wipers, in competitive racing environments.

At Aim, we have a wide range of remote button interface keypads, ranging from 4-button to 15-button keypads to cater to a variety of cockpits. All our keypads are fully customisable too, so you can create your very own keypad based on vehicle systems that are most important to you.

5. Shift Light Module

A shift light module is a useful expansion to add to competitive racing setups by providing visual cues for drivers to understand the optimal time to change gears. As a result, a shift light module can help the driver focus on the track without having to keep an eye on RPM gauges, it can help improve lap times and prevent the engine from over-revving unnecessarily.

At Aim, our shift light module not only displays RPM thresholds, but it can also display predictive lap times. This addition allows drivers to easily monitor whether they’re improving on their best lap time of the session.

6. Channel Expansion

If you’re working with multiple sensors, channel expansions are an invaluable addition to any motorsport setup. They allow motorsport teams to add various sensors, like the ones we’ve previously mentioned, to one central location.

At Aim, our channel expansion links up to 4 individual sensors, requiring only a single wire from the expansion hub to be connected to the display. This provides drivers and teams with a comprehensive overview of vehicle performance metrics directly on the display in real time.

Note: As shown in the image below, data hubs can be used to link channel expansions to the data logger or dash display as required.

7. Data Hub

Much like how channel expansions expand the number of sensors that can be connected at one time, a data hub does the same thing, but for device connections. For example, you could connect a GPS module and Lambda Controller to a data hub, which can then be plugged into the Aim display.

Devices that are supported with the data hub include:

• Channel Expansion
• MyChron Expansion
• GPS Module
• LCU-One Lambda Controller
• Memory Key
• Data Key
• SmartyCam
• Aim Steering Wheels
• Aim Displays

Note: Multiple data hubs can be connected to each other to expand data collection as shown in the image below.

8. MX Strada Kit

The Aim MX Strada kit will turn any MX Strada display into a fully working data logger that can collect data to be analysed on Race Studio 3, ultimately helping to improve racing performance and identifying possible improvements in vehicle setup. With our most precise GPS09 module, Strada Logger and data hub, the MX Strada kit provides motorsport drivers with everything they need to enhance their data logging setup:

• GPS09 Module: With an average tolerance of under 0.5 meters (1.6 feet), the GPS09 ensures precise vehicle tracking and positioning.
• Strada Logger: An SD memory card module with the capacity to store up to 32GB of data.
• Data Hub: A CAN connection network that can connect multiple expansions in one central location.

Motorsport Expansion Best Practices

Now that we’ve gone over 8 of the key Aim expansions that you should consider adding to your motorsport data logging setup, here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind when expanding your system:

• Understand Your Needs: Start by identifying what data is the most important to your racing setup. Once you know which data you want to gather, it’ll give you a better idea about which data logging expansion best-suits your needs.
• Avoid System Overload: While it’s tempting to add as many sensors and expansions as possible, ensure your data logger’s processing capacity matches the demands of your setup to avoid performance issues. If you’d like support or guidance on your motorsport setup, feel free to get in touch with our specialists.
• Plan For Future Expansions: Choose devices, like the channel expansion module or data hub, to expand on the functionality of the setup without having to replace existing components.
• Purchase From Trusted Suppliers: Always buy motorsport data acquisition products from reputable suppliers to ensure compatibility and durability.

Why Choose An Aim Data Acquisition Setup?

Aim is a trusted name in the motorsport industry due to their high-quality and versatile range of robust data logging devices and expansions to enhance data acquisition. Their ability to seamlessly integrate into any vehicle system (including various car, kart and bike setups) also makes Aim a go-to choice for drivers and teams worldwide.

Whether you are a professional racer or a motorsport enthusiast, Aim expansions can be just what you need to make a significant difference to your data logging system. Shop the range online today at Aim Shop or get in touch with one of our specialists – we’re always on hand to help.

SmartyCam 3 Compatibility: Hyundai i20 N Rally2

The Hyundai i20 N Rally2 is a high-performance rally car, known for its robust drivetrain capabilities, advanced aerodynamics and reliability, making it a popular choice amongst rally drivers and teams.

One of the key aspects that sets the i20 N Rally2 apart is its ability to integrate with various data logging systems to further enhance performance and data analysis capabilities. As part of our Aim compatibility series, we will be exploring how each camera in our SmartyCam 3 range—Corsa, GP and Dual— is compatible with the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 (from 2021), including connection types and how it can improve your car’s performance.

SmartyCam 3 Corsa Compatibility With Hyundai i20 N Rally2

The SmartyCam 3 Corsa connects directly to the Hyundai i20 N Rally2’s ECU through its CAN bus system. This integration allows the camera to overlay critical performance data—such as speed, RPM and gear position—directly onto HD video footage. Key features of the SmartyCam 3 Corsa include:

• Plug & play installation: The cables and harnesses in the kit match the i20 N Rally2’s loom, eliminating the need for complex rewiring. This ensures quick and secure installation that won’t interfere with the car’s existing electronics.
  
• Automatic start/stop: The camera automatically begins recording when the engine is turned on/off, ensuring no data is missed.
• Easy mounting: Available with additional mounting solutions to mount the SmartyCam 3 Corsa to the Hyundai i20 N Rally2, ensuring the camera’s field of view is clear and stable to capture the driver’s perspective.
• Robust design: IP65-rated to withstand the rigours of rally racing, including exposure to dust, vibrations and varying temperatures.
• Telemetry integration: Overlays critical performance data directly over the footage, making it ideal for post-session analysis.
• Race Studio 3 configuration: Customise data channels, display overlays and track analysis configurations using RS3 software.

The CAN driver developed to communicate with the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 (from 2021) is accessible through the Main_24Camera connector, a Deutsch DTM06-6P connector located on the central tunnel next to the fuel tank wall.

Important: When connecting an Aim device to the vehicle CAN bus, check if the promoter and the federation regulations allow the use of a GPS module to be connected at the same time.

For this installation, please refer to the following pinout:

Technical note: Please select the proper power supply according to the Aim device in use. The SmartyCam has Vb pin 3 used for wake-up and Vbext pin 5 used for power supply. 

Channels received by Aim devices configured with Hyundai i20 N Rally2 protocol are:

Remember: Not all data channels outlined in the ECU template are validated for each manufacturer’s model or variant; some of the outlined channels are model and year-specific, and therefore may not be applicable.